113 Tasting Notes

I’m still stuck at Caribou because I don’t get internet at my place until Thursday, so I grabbed another cup. This one is decent for a mint tea, which I usually don’t drink – I just don’t think there is that much delicacy to them. It’s fine for what it is, very minty. There’s maybe a hint of cinnamon, but it’s all but hidden by the mint.

Nothing special. Rich and dark, with a little bit of maltyness. Pretty standard as far as blacks come. It’s not very strong, especially considering the water was so hot it still burned me after sitting 15 mins. Decent with a pack of sugar and a splash of milk. It helps keep me warm in this icebox of a coffee shop.

The nose on the loose leaf is great, a soft sweetness emanates and eliminates the harsh smell of the rooibos loose leaf. It’s mostly red but there’s great variety in it too, even some interesting little buds (probably the corn flowers). There’s a ton of tea in my actual cup (finely ground leaves + bad infuser).

The liquor is a deep reddish brown, not the best color. A little muddy looking. Add the water and you get that familiar rooibos smell I’m not too fond of.

The tea is good if not a little weak. Sweet with nothing of the bitterness I sometimes find in other rooibos. I can’t quite distinguish the different fruits but if anything maybe a just a hint of the sweetness of the banana. Very pleasant with a lingering sweetness. Not the best I’ve had, but definitely enjoyable.

Really faint with just the slightest sweet tone. I can get a bit of raspberry on the nose, but I tea doesn’t taste anything of raspberries. It works for me, but it’s nothing special and it’s not what I was expecting/hoping for. Maybe I could have steeped it a little longer…and I gotta get away from all the tea bags I have.

I had the Raspberry flavored Jasmine Green Iced Tea. A super fruity and sweet taste if you’re into strong tasting fruit teas. However, I have to say it’s not really tea. There is little to no hint of the green tea, maybe just a bit of the bitterness. If you like real tea, don’t go for any of the flavored teas…or bubble tea for that matter. I had the tapioca pearls in mine too, and after trying them for the second time, I don’t think they are that great. Interesting texture, but a little too slimy with a weird flavor. I prefer the flavored jellies. Either way, if you like super strong fruit flavored drinks, come try a flavored bubble tea. If you’re a tea purist, I’d stay away from it. I can do both, so it works for me.

The leaves are ground very finely and the nose has almond and lots of vanilla, so much so that I can almost taste how sweet it is. Nice golden brown liquor (before a splash of milk). The tea however, is mostly dominated by almond flavor with just some sugary vanilla tones peeking their way into the sip. It comes on strong with the almond but finishes with the touch of vanilla. Probably could have steeped longer, it’s a little weak in the knees right now and could use more power behind it. Could also be because it comes in tea bags (unfortunately I didn’t realize this when i bought it). Maybe multiple tea bags in one cup would do the trick?

The leaves are fairly small and twisted. Mostly bits of leaves, but some larger leaves as well. I’m getting the astringency on the nose and in the liquor. Added a splash of milk but still has a slightly chemical tone hidden beneath. Not the greatest standard black for my tastes.

Pretty smoky and kinda bitter. I only steeped it for about 2 1/2 minutes, so I think it should have been okay. It works as a nice break during the day, but its not something I would buy. But since I have a tin of it, it will serve it’s purpose for the time being. You’ll probably like this if you’re more of a tea purist…I usually take mine with a bit more fruity flavoring.

The leaves are small and are mostly formed into small bundled balls wrapped around themselves. You put your nose in the bag and are hit with a deep earthy, grassy scent. The liquor is a very light golden color and smells smoky with a hint of nuttiness. Its got a little bit of a bite, but pretty tame and enjoyable. Finishes off with the smoky tones that linger keeping the nice taste in your mouth. If you’re looking to get this tea…ask Jack :)

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I’m one of the creators of Steepster!

My favorites are greens and oolongs but I’m open to pretty much anything (although I’m still working my way through pu-erh). Either way, any tea that expands my tastes, teaches me something, or promotes a love of tea is a winner in my book. If you have any questions, shoot an email to [email protected] or PM me.